AMG Review of Best of John Lee Hooker 1965-1974

Thom Owens
All Music Guide

MCA's The Best of John Lee Hooker has a misleading title. All of the 16 selections are taken from his recordings for ABC, which were made at the end of the '60s and beginning of the '70s. During this time, his producers were experimenting with his sound, adding contemporary sonic touches like funk rhythms and wah-wah pedals. Needless to say, this sound didn't sit particularly well with Hooker's lean, haunting blues. However, these songs do take the best material from generally poor albums -- anyone who wants to sample his ABC material should turn here first and they'll realize that they don't need to explore much further.